NEPTUNE, N.J. — Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) celebrated the opening of its newly remodeled facility for mental health crisis intervention, offering a safe and supportive alternative to emergency room visits for adults and children in Monmouth County. The grand opening event, held on October 31, highlighted the hospital’s expanded Early Intervention Support Services (EISS) and introduced its new Child and Adolescent Crisis Diversion Program.
Located at 3301 Route 66, the EISS program provides up to 30 days of outpatient care for adults with serious mental illness who are at risk of needing hospitalization. The program is designed to bridge gaps in care, offering rapid access to mental health services to prevent the escalation of crises. A new addition, the Child and Adolescent Crisis Diversion Program, focuses on children ages 5 to 17, addressing their emotional, behavioral, and psychiatric needs through short-term outpatient treatment to help families avoid higher levels of care.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Marli Gelfand, Assistant Vice President of Behavioral Health Services at MMC, emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming and compassionate environment for patients and their families. “This beautiful new space shows our most vulnerable patients that they are really cared for and respected,” Gelfand said to the nearly 50 attendees. “We are so proud to officially dedicate this space that gives hope to everyone who walks through our doors.”
To date, the EISS program has provided services to over 600 individuals in 2024, while the Child and Adolescent Crisis Diversion Program, which launched this summer, has supported more than 60 families. Cheryl Caputo, Director of Early Intervention Support Services, explained that EISS is intended for patients who may have disengaged from treatment and need help reconnecting with outpatient services. “Our goal with the Child and Adolescent Crisis Diversion Program is to provide a safe, compassionate, and trauma-sensitive environment to youth and their families to decrease the need for a higher level of care and to maintain safety in the community,” she said.
As part of the event, MMC unveiled the Frank and Valerie Montecalvo Wall of Inspiration, featuring positive quotes in the main waiting room to inspire patients and families. The display was made possible by longtime MMC philanthropists Frank and Valerie Montecalvo, whose support, along with contributions from the Fireflies Council for Behavioral Health, helped fund the facility’s renovation.
Eric Carney, President and CEO of MMC, underscored the hospital’s dedication to fostering a positive space for patients in crisis. “The EISS program has touched the lives of thousands, providing a safe place that sends a strong message of hope,” Carney said. “What makes this place so special is our amazing early intervention teams, and we are grateful to our generous supporters who helped create this healing space.”
State Assemblywoman Margie Donlon attended the event to present a State Assembly Resolution supporting the remodeled services. Carney also thanked local lawmakers, including Senator Vin Gopal and Assemblywomen Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul, as well as Monmouth County Commissioners, for their continued advocacy and support.
Frank Ghinassi, Senior Vice President of Behavioral Health Services at RWJBarnabas Health and CEO of Rutgers Health University Behavioral Health Care, praised the team at MMC for prioritizing mental health needs in the community. “As the largest provider of behavioral health services in the state, RWJBarnabas Health, together with Rutgers Health University Behavioral Health Care, is committed to enhancing services for our patients,” Ghinassi said.
The crisis intervention services at MMC are part of RWJBarnabas Health Behavioral Health, which collaborates with Rutgers Health to provide integrated mental health and substance use treatment services across New Jersey, serving over half a million people each year.